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• Serving the city of Norwalk • Vol. 4 No 32 • May 6, 2011 • www.loscerritosnews.net
ABC School Board fails to fill vacant school board seat
Whitney High School Multimedia Groundbreaking Ceremony Held
Applicants call process a “total circus” and “embarrassment.”
Norwalk City Council Turns the Television Cameras Back on for Public Comments By Randy Economy
By Randy Economy
I
n a rare marathon Saturday meeting, the ABC Unified School Board of Education could not reach agreement on who should replace recently elected Cerritos City Council Member Mark E. Puldio. An election will be held this November in conjunction with the regularly slated ABC School Board election to fill the remainder of the term that expires in 2013. The meeting began at 7:30 a.m. and lasted well into the afternoon, and 13 local residents pitched and pleaded their qualifications in 10-minute intervals. In the end, no applicant received a majority of votes from the six member ABC School Board, and it resulted in a stalemate. Emotions flared by the normally harmonious school board, and by the time all the dust had settled, many walked away frustrated, angry and disappointed in the entire process. Very early in the meeting, it was apparent that it was going to be difficult for the school board to come up with an agreement on who should get the appointment. The dozen-plus-one applicants included Ardash Sunak, Mansour Meisami, Louise Dodson, Anna Titus, Ernie Nishi, Cindy Yen Chen, David Montgomery, Ethan Robinson, Jean McHatton, Olga Rios, Kiran Rami, Lynda Johnson and Helen Lee. All of them were well versed on school board issues such as the state budget crisis, the importance of having an “open mind” as a school board member, and how they would guide the district during these “challenging” economic times. None of the 13 applicants were directly asked if they were willing to take the appointment and pledge not to run in the upcoming November election. But all of the hopefuls stressed their desire to serve “openly” and “honestly” on behalf of the “voters, taxpayers and for the best [See ABC Page 13]
Members of the ABC School Board and staff with members of the Whitney High School Foundation, former Mayor Grace Hu and Councilmember Mark Pulido gathered at the high school Apr. 30 for a ground-breaking celebration marking construction of the school’s Multi Media facility. The facility will feature state-of-the art audio/video production systems, performance and production studios, a graphics lab, classrooms and a 5,000 seat tiered auditorium. To date the Foundation/School has raised $4.5 million including a $750,000 donation by former Cerritos Mayor Grace Hu.
The public will now be seen and heard on television at Norwalk City Council meetings from this day forward. The long standing policy of not broadcasting public oral communications on the city operated and taxpayer owned access channels is now a thing of the past. On Tuesday, with the urging of recently elected Councilman Marcel Rodarte, and with the support of Councilman Leonard Shryock and Vice Mayor Cheri Kelley, the Norwalk City Council voted to formally lift the ban on airing public comments and oral communications during public meetings effective immediately. [See NORWALK Page 11]
Indian Bones Found at Fedde Sports Complex Site Bones said to belong to San Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians
By Jerry Bernstein It’s long been known that Native Americans lived in the general area of Hawaiian Gardens before the Europeans arrived known as the San Gabrieleno Indians. On Mar. 23, contractors working on the Sports Complex at Fedde Middle School in Hawaiian Gardens discovered human bones while digging a trench in relation to the Complex. Superintendent Dr. Gary Smuts reported to the ABC School Board at its May 3 meeting that in accordance with Public Health and Safety Code, police authorities and the Los Angeles County Coroner were contacted. It was subsequently determined by the coroner that the remains were Native American and are subject to California Public Resource Code and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 that requires the protection and preservation of Native American remains. [See BONES Page 6]
Above: Archaeologist Research Associate James Flaherty and helper sift through mounds of dirt adjacent to the trenches dug by construction workers. Some 200 bones along with numerous artifacts have been recovered to date. Inset: Jaw bone of San Gabrieleno Indian found at Fedde Sports Complex site.
2 COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6, 2011
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Former La Palma Mayor to be Honored By Larry Caballero La Palma City Council members approved at their May 3 meeting a memorial plaque in the Community Commemorative Area to be named in honor of the late former Mayor and comFormer munity activist La Palma Mayor Daniel Collins. Daniel Collins . In March of 2009 the City Council amended Council Policy 24 – Guidelines for Memorial Plaques – to provide for a Community Commemorative Area in honor of residents and employees who had devoted their time and efforts to the betterment of the community and its residents. An application had been received by staff that asked for Collins to be honored by having a paver with his name placed in the Community Commemorative Area. The criteria for selection is as follows: • Nominee must be deceased. • Nominee shall be an individual who resided in or was employed by the City of La Palma. • Nominee shall have devoted their time and effort to the betterment of the community and its residents. • Nominee’s contributions may have been in cultural arts, humanitarian or social concerns, economic well-
being, leisure and recreation, improving quality of life, or the history and development of La Palma. • Nominee’s contributions should be well known throughout the community. Long-time residents Larry and Ulla Herman submitted an application to have former Mayor Daniel Collins memorialized in the City’s Community Commemorative Area. Collins, a Veteran of the US Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees), served on the La Palma Homeowners Association Board from 1969 to 1974, including the Central Park Feasibility Study Committee; on the La Palma Development Committee from 1971 to 1972 and again from 1978 to 1980; as a Council Member from 1972 through 1976, and again from 1980 to 1987. Collins served as Mayor in 1981/1982 and 1985/1986. He was known for his “can do” attitude that carried forward from his time with the Seabees. Collins chaired and directed the volunteer group that constructed the Bi-Centennial Gazebo in Central Park, was active with the Kiwanis Club of La Palma, and helped establish a local Fly Abatement Board in 1972, which eventually became the Orange County Vector Control District in 1975. Collins served as a member of the City’s negotiating team for the Centerpointe Disposition and Development Agreement that was adopted in 1984. In 1978, he was selected as La Palma’s Outstanding Citizen, and the City Council proclaimed June 19, 1978, as Daniel Collins Day and in 1988, he was named the Cypress College Foundation Americana Citizen of the Year for La Palma.
COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6 , 2011
Former Cerritos Mayor Laura Lee Honored
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woman is a hungry husband at home.” Nevertheless, Lee would not have changed anything in her last eight years serving Cerritos. “It was an honor and a privilege, and I thank all of you for alBy Larry Caballero lowing me to serve you.” Lee does not plan to fade away into Master of Ceremonies and Cerritos the night. “I plan to still be active in my College Boardmember Bob Hughlett, and to make a difference a former Cerritos Mayor himself, de- community whenever I can.” scribed former Cerritos Mayor Laura Lee has already agreed to join the Su Lee Apr. 29 at the Cerritos Performing Casa Board of Directors, but she also Arts Center as “a classy lady.” wants to Former spend more Cerritos time on the Mayor Jim dance floor Edwards with Charles agreed. “No when she’s one dressed not babysitany better on ting her council than granddaughLaura.” Yet ter. Lee has the more than been a long 200 guests time supwho attended porter of Su the reception Casa. in her honor The Lees were not greeted their there only Members of the Cerritos Chinese-American Senior guests as they because she Club present the former Mayor with a Calligraphy arrived, and [poem] written by a board member. had style and encouraged class. them to enjoy the food and entertainment “I want everyone to know,” said Conthat included the Lees dancing a Viengresswoman Linda Sanchez, “that Laura nese Waltz, skits performed by Cerritos Lee was always a professional and a true public servant who worked very hard for dignitaries that included former Mayors Sherman and Gloria Kappe, and a video the city she loved.” Sanchez thanked Lee for the mutual of the many events that Lee attended respect and friendship they have shared while on council. Lee was presented Certificates of in the eight years Lee was on Council as Recognition and plaques for her eight Mayor and twice as Mayor Pro-Tem. years of dedicated service on the council Lee thanked everyone who had supported her while on council, especially from neighboring cities including Arteher husband Charles. “My husband al- sia, Hawaiian Gardens and Lakewood as ways says that behind every successful well as her home city of Cerritos.
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4 COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6, 2011 Letters may be sent to editor@cerritosnews.net or mailed to P.O. Box 788, Artesia, Ca. 90701. Letters become the property of LCCN and may be edited for grammar and length. Letters are not necessarily the viewpoint of LCCN.
Where there’s a will there’s a way By Jerry Bernstein LCCN Editor “Where there is a will there’s a way,” states an old saying. This was the case Apr. 30 at Whitney High School with the groundbreaking celebration for the school’s multi-media facility. The school raised $4.5 million that includes a $3 million grant, $1 million from the ABC School District and months of fundraising events sponsored by the Whitney High School Foundation. This also included a $750,000 donation from former Mayor Grace Hu. To say the facility is needed would be an understatement. The school needs the facility so its students can move forward in this world of new technology. Whitney parents and members of the Founda-
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OPINION and LET TERS tion are to be applauded for their perseverance. ABC School Board partisan politics The same cannot be said when describing the action of the ABC School Board which met on the same day to select a candidate to fill the seat vacated by Mark Pulido who resigned following his election to the Cerritos City Council. Not only did the Board change its rules in midstream that were adopted at previous school board meeting Apr. 5, they changed it several times. The members apparently forgot they were there to name a candidate who qualified for the job. Instead they appeared to be voting for their friends. It was not one of their better meetings. Their dirty laundry was left hanging on the clothesline. The Board eventually voted to leave the seat vacant and let the public decide on a candidate in the Nov. 8 election. A new wrinkle was added to the situation with a recommendation by former School Board member David Montgomery at the Board’s May 3 meeting that it rescind its previous vote and reopen the
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matter under a little known provision of Robert’s Rule of Order. He stated the Board need the seventh seat filled in order to break tie votes. He also suggested they should select from the top three candidates, if not the top two who received three votes each. They include him and former Board member Louise Dodson, both who received three votes each. The third candidate, Cindy Yen Chen, received two. There are 10 more regularly scheduled school board meeting. One would like to believe the Board, with six members, could make decisions without needing a tie-breaking vote for 10 more meetings. AFCSME and Cerritos Another example where the “Will” was not present can be found at the Apr. 28 meeting of the city council when the council formally voted an impasse existed and ended negotiations with the Cerritos Public Employees Union [AFSME Local 619.] The union lashed out at the council and city administration accusing them of not continuing honest negotiations. Members of the council in turn said they made their final offer on Oct. 12, receiving a negative response from the union in Nov. Neither side bothered to explain why additional negotiations were not initiated during the five succeeding months. The council meeting was long and tedious. The Union continually criticized the council and city administration with accusations that often were outside the box. However, when AFCSME was criticized the members bristled. Apparently what’s good for the goose is not good for A0424-Used Oil (Cerritos)
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the gander. The big question left unanswered is what the leadership of AFSME really wants? Flyers distributed throughout the city before the meeting compared Cerritos to Wisconsin, where the Governor is accused of trying to break the unions in his state. All they succeeded with the flyers were to anger Cerritos residents. Cerritos is not Wisconson and is not trying to break the union. Unlike many cities, Cerritos workers have not been put on weekly or monthly furloughs, they have not been asked to accept changes in their pensions or cuts in their pay nor have they been asked to accept a Golden Handshake through PERS [retirement] On the other hand there are some legitimate concerns including part time employees, safety issues at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts related to the amount of time part time workers can work before they are put on leave for the rest of the year. Both sides could have done better. Councilman Mark Pulido moved negotiations be reopened for 60 days. Councilman Joseph Cho seconded his motion. It was defeated 3-2, with the majority on the council voting no because there wasn’t sufficient time to negotiate when the city has to put together a balanced budget within 60 days as required by state law, noting that while negotiations are in progress the budget could not be adopted.. Again, what does the AFSME leadership really want? Are they representing their Cerritos members or their own goals? 1:33 PM Page 1
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COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6 , 2011
OPINION and LET TERS
Matt Kauble Cerritos resident Dear Editor,
Mary Jane McIntosh Norwalk Resident & Volunteer
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I am the president of the AFSCME Local representing employees of the neighboring City of Artesia. I attended the Cerritos Council meeting on April 28 to show support to my fellow union brothers and sisters. Cerritos employees felt they were already close to an end of negotiations, and wished to extend negotiations until they came to a mutual agreement. Three councilmembers, and management, did not want a mutual agreement and instead wished to seek a vague sense of "closure" and conclude the negotiations prematurely. In other words, a few people selfishly sought closure at the expense of everyone else's. Needless to say, the net gain of "closure" was exceedingly small. Naturally, we were disappointed in the Council's decision to impose an impasse and conclude negotiations prematurely. Their decision to do so has made a clear statement to us all. Employees in Cerritos can expect from both management, and at least three councilmembers (Mayor Carol Chen, Mayor Pro Tem Jim Edwards, and Councilmember Bruce Barrows), a climate of cool indifference toward their own employees; and a willingness to make decisions without the counsel of their own workforce. Whether intended or not, the April 28 council meeting felt like a power play. Employees, who had a personal stake in the Council's decision, showed up en masse. Some even brought their
This past Tuesday, the Norwalk City Council voted 3-2 to resume the broadcasting of the Oral Communications portion of the City Council meetings. This portion of the meeting hasn't been televised since 2003. Myself and other community members have lobbied the City Council for years to resume televising of this public comment portion of the meeting, but to no avail. I want to personally thank all three members of the City Council who voted to reinstate the broadcast. They are Councilmember Marcel Rodarte, Councilmember Leonard Shryock and Vice Mayor Cheri Kelley. In addition, I want to give a big Thank You to Councilmember Rodarte for putting this item on the agenda. He made this a campaign promise during the election and followed through. While I have not always agreed with Marcel, he is proving himself to be a man of his word and a pretty good Councilmember. Thank you Marcel. I see many positive changes in the future for Norwalk with our new City Council.
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In past years, the Cerritos employees union began contract negotiations submitting their demands privately prior to when the City’s budget is finalized. In 2010 they decided against this, instead waiting over two months and submitting directly to the city council their list of demands at the July 8th City Council Meeting during public comments, possibly a first in the history of Cerritos (demands available at City Clerk’s Office). These demands included such gems like: Demand 44: “The Union wants the City to allow employees to review their personnel files and to have the employees tell the City what they want taken out of their file.” If high school students could remove any grade below a B from our records raising GPA scores or any detentions from the record, what sort of brats would be created? Demand 23: “The Union wants the City to give a 15% salary increase to the Sr. Human Services Coord.” Demand 24: “The Union wants the City to give a 15% salary increase to the Sr. Recreation Services Coord.” Demand 46: “The Union wants the City to give a 10% salary increase to CCPA employees that conduct House Manager duties” Demand 47: “The Union wants the City to give a 10% salary increase to all employees that conduct Stage Crew Supervisor duties” The union leaders say their dispute
Dear Editor,
Andrew Perry President, AFSCME Local 1520
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How not to pick a fight: The contract mess
Kudos to Norwalk City Council for turning cameras on
children, thinking that the council would conduct the meeting with the consideration of those attending. We were wrong. Even Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, who stood up for almost four hours waiting patiently for her turn, was wrong! If I didn't think people were inherently good, I'd almost be tempted to say the Council wanted to send a message that they didn't care. Every public meeting that I've ever attended pushed controversial agenda items to the beginning of the meeting so people can have a chance to speak to their Council and leave. Instead, we waited almost four hours as the Council methodically plodded through their items! At 10:30 p.m., when we were finally allowed to speak, Congresswoman Sanchez went first. Despite the thinly veiled look of disgust at the proceedings of the meeting, her words were utterly reasonable. She simply asked that the Council vote to finish the negotiations because they were so close, and she volunteered her services. She finally added that this particular council meeting was a poor display of democracy; as she watched many people (some with children) leave as the hours dragged on, unable to voice their opinion. I'd like to thank Councilmembers Mark Pulido and Joseph Cho, who voted in favor of extending negotiations. I'm also grateful for the patience of Congresswoman Sanchez, and for her gracious words that reflected perfectly the thoughts of all who attended.
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isn’t over money and they are for worker equality, I guess some City employees are more equal than others. Also, note who the leaders and negotiating team of the union are. Demand 90:”The Union wants to tell the City how to operate during emergencies and in those events beyond the control of the City.” Including labor disputes caused by the Union? Demand 91: “The Union wants the City to not contract out any work.” Even when that could save the city money and protect services, without raising fees or creating new taxes? Demand 95: “The Union wants the City to have no authority over disciplinary matters.” Cue the lawsuits. An impasse was declared in October by the Mediator. In March, the union elected Mark Pulido and Joseph Cho to the City Council with at least 4 mailers and an army of “volunteers” from outside of Cerritos to phone bank, walk precincts, and turnout voters. In mid-March the Union started a smear campaign against council members they didn’t control with mailers and handouts. At the April 26th City Council Meeting the Council declared an impasse instituting the City’s last best offer on a 3-2 vote. It cut no salary or benefits for any employee during a rollercoaster economy. The only real change is that new hires have to work until age 60 to get 2% multiplied by years worked and their highest year of salary creating a third tier retirement program. That night the AFL-CIO trucked in green shirted organizers from outside of Cerritos, including some of the most powerful union bosses in Southern California. They also brought signs that read “It’s About Freedom”, well I must disagree, looking at the demands above it looks like “It’s Really About Greed and Power”.
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With the City Council meeting lasting until 1:30 last Friday morning, I understand how quickly the story had to be written. It is my opinion that the story in the rush to meet the printing deadline was very incomplete. The story did not strongly acknowledge that the majority of the residents present favored both sides going back to the bargaining table. While, I left the meeting around 11:15, I do not remember any speaker favor the idea that negotiations should be unilaterly terminated. It seems to me that the residents and others present spoke at about 10 to 1 in favor of going back to the table to work out the little distance that the sides still had room to negotiate. I did not understand your quote from one Council member to paraphrase "while this was one of his most difficult decisions he wanted to vote in the interest of the residents." I am not sure which residents he was talking about. I knew many of the residents both present at the meeting and those who were unable to come. The ones I talked to all had hopes that this Councilman might be the 3rd vote for continuing negotiations. However, this Councilman is known to side with the establishment. He is known to be a company person. Several had spoken to him prior to the meeting and it was reported that his mind was made up. That is his right but , in my opinion, it would have been better for him to state clearly that he was following the staff recommendation. I felt it was a sad day for the City of Cerritos where I have lived for 40 years. It is my hope and prayer that the City will reconsider and go back to the collective bargaining table.
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Calling All High Rollers! Our Lady of Fatima School’s: “Mardi Gras Casino Night” Saturday, May 21, 2011 6:00 pm till 11:00 pm $30 per ticket includes: Dinner and $100 in play-cash for the “Casino” Plus: dancing, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a chance to win great prizes For tickets or further details, call (562) 403-0414 or visit www.fatimachargers. com. Must be 21 years of age to attend this event.
Cerritos Republican Club meeting The public is invited to the next General meeting of the Cerritos Republican Club. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 pm in the Skyline Room of the Cerritos Library, 18025 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos. The guest speaker will be John Fer, a native of San Pedro, CA. After graduating from the Air Force Academy, John embarked on a 28 year career in the USAF. In 1967 he was shot down in north Vietnam and spent over six years as a POW. After his distinguished military career, John entered the educational field. Come listen to this highly decorated (The Purple Heart is one of his numerous medals) serviceman talk about his experiences. For more information, please contact Matt Kauble at (562) 743-1855.
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American Red Cross Rio Hondo Chapter DeploysLocal Relief Workers to the Southeast Whittier, CA– The Rio Hondo Chapter has deployed two relief workers to Mississippi and Alabama to assist with the relief operation after the epic F-5 tornadoes tore through those states-leaving devastation and over 316 dead. Others are expected to leave within the next few days. Disaster can strike at any time. We need to be prepared with a 7 day supply kit of water, food, and clothing. How well we prepare before a disaster occurs, will determine how successfully we deal with and recover from disasters. For more information on how to prepare in the event of a disaster and what you need to include in an emergency supply kit contact the American Red Cross Rio Hondo Chapter at (562) 945-3944.
BONES
Continued from page 1 Dr. Smuts said it has been the determined the San Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians were the descendants of the remains discovered at Fedde site where site excavation is now under way. He said California law further establishes that the Native American Heritage Commission [NAHC] makes recommendations for the disposition of the remains. The Board approved a contract in the amount of $24,750 with the San Gabri-
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eleno Mission Indians for a three month period during which the site will be monitored. The Board also approved the hiring of Dr. Gary Stickel, an archaeologist, to sift through the unearthed material for bone fragments and other Native American artifacts at an estimated cost of $60,000. Dr. Smuts, whose hobby is archeology, said the San Gabrieleno Indians roamed the general area and stayed in one area for short periods of time during which they hunted for food before moving to another area. He said often they would return to the original area but not necessarily at the same location, James Flaherty, a research associate of Dr. Stickel told LCCN that approximately 200 bones and numerous artifacts have been found. “We believe this might have been a village as opposed to a hunting encampment,” he said. “ but more research needs to be done before that is determined. “ Workers who were digging trenches found the bones. “What we’re doing now is sifting through the piles of dirt from the trenching. Eventually we will dig down to the original ground site,” said Flaherty. A spokesperson for the NAHC said hopefully the remains would be buried at the Fedde site according to Indian tradition with some type of memorial explaining who the San Gabrieleno Indians were. In the meantime the School Board approved a contract in the amount of $2,983,000 for the second phase of construction with ASR Construction Inc., of Riverside which will be done on another area of the school grounds.
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norwalkchamberofcommerce
Chamber of Commerce
Serving and Supporting the Business Community Since 1923
May 2011 • Vol 1, No. 6 • www.norwalkchamber.com • info@norwalkchamber.org
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Chamber out in force at Cerritos College Mega Mixer
Betty Chacon President Wells Fargo Bank
A
pril was a busy month for the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. We started the month with our after hours mixer hosted by Budget Car Sales & Rent-A-Car. Thank you so much Phil and Miriam Arey for hosting the Norwalk Chamber and its members with this
Ken Garcia and co-worker from Golf ‘n Stuff.
Betty Chacon
wonderful event. Many attended and made new business connections while touring the Budget facilities. Next, we attended the annual Cerritos College Mega Mixer on April 26th. Many of our Norwalk Chamber members were also exhibitors at this event! The Cerritos College Culinary Arts School provided wonderful luau food for the mixer, which was enjoyed by all. Café n’ Stuff were the winners of the best decorated table award with their blue and green tropical beverage table. Thank you to Toni Grijalva and Cerritos College for inviting the Norwalk Chamber to participate in this annual event. Our last event for April was our networking luncheon, held at the Norwalk Doubletree Hotel. The Sonoma Grill served a tasty buffet lunch (which they serve every day) [See MESSAGE Page 2]
Teri Bazen of Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing.
Ken Garcia of Golf ‘n Stuff, Executive Director Vivian Hansen and Larry Lee of SELACO WIB enjoying the festivities.
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If you were in the need of a Hawaiian vacation, then the Cerritos College Student Center was the place for you to be on Tuesday, April 26th. The Luau themed annual Mega Mixer was a great success. With the decorative atmosphere and the wonderful smells of tropical fruit, you felt transported right to the Hawaiian Islands. There were flowers, leis, palm trees and blue and green tropical drinks. The Culinary Arts School provided an amazing feast of luau themed food, including a roast pig. The Norwalk Chamber was right in the midst of it all, providing information about how the Chamber can help you create success in your business. Manning the booth were Board Members Maria Gonzalez, Norwalk Union 76 Service Center, Lynda Fisher of WalMart, and Ambassador Craig Wicks from Budget Car Sales. Spotted at the Mega Mixer were many Norwalk Chamber Members! Bright Health Physicians, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing, Cerritos College, Camino Federal Credit Union, SELACO WIB, Golf n’ Stuff, Mid Cities Financial Credit Union, Doubletree Hotel, Café n’ Stuff, and Integrated Accounting and Financial Services were all present at the event. There were many exhibitors competing for the title of best decorated table, which was won by our own member, Café n’ Stuff. Special thanks to Cerritos College and Toni Grijalva for hosting this wonderful event.
2 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MAY 2011
Norwalk
Chamber Of Commerce
12040 Foster Road, Norwalk, CA., 90650 Phone: 562.864.7785 FAX: 562.864.8539
info@norwalkchamber.com
Executive Committee PRESIDENT
Betty Chacon
Wells Fargo Bank VP FINANCE
Jesse Urquidi
Norwalk Lions Club PRESIDENT ELECT
Joseph Derthick
AFLAC VP COMMUNICATIONS/ SECRETARY
Karla Butler
Thompson & Associates IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Teri Bazen
Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing
Board of Directors Reggie Berry
Goals For Life Coast Plaza Hospital
Rob Cazares
Outback Restaurant
Rita DeBenedictis Café n’ Stuff
Lynda Fisher WalMart
Maria Gonzalez
Norwalk Union 76 Service Center
Toni Grijalva
Cerritos College
Jennifer Kocaoglu
Costco Wholesale - Norwalk
Richard LeGaspi TNT Fireworks
Gary Murphy
Norwalk Florist/Flowers by Alan
Tracy Polley Kelco Sales
Lesley Watkins
Community Family Guidance Center AMBASSADOR CHAIR
Joseph Derthick AFLAC EVENTS CHAIR
Lynda Fisher Wal-Mart
Toni Grijalva
Cerritos College CHAMBER DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Teri Bazen
Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing LEGISLATIVE CHAIR
Julia Emerson
So. Cal. Gas Company
Cheri Kelley
City Council Liaison
Chamber Staff Executive Director
Vivian Hansen
Membership Services Director
Caren Spilsbury
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
NEW & RENEWING MEMBERS
NEW MEMBERS
WR Marlowe Educational Services Public Speaking Bob Marlowe P.O. Box 2721 Anaheim CA 92814 800-400-4262 www.Bobsaid.com Sevilla Local Media – Local Search Pros Internet Marketing/SEO Services Thomas Sevilla 4865 ‘B’ Jackson St. Riverside CA 92503 877-870-9191 www.localbusinesslocator.com Teri’s Loving Pet Sitter Pet Services/Pet & House Sitting Teri Cook Norwalk CA 90650 562-244-6734 tandccook@verizon.net
Small Business Counseling The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center are continuing to offer business counseling sessions at the Norwalk Chamber twice a month. These sessions are one-on-one, hour and a half sessions with a professional bilingual counselor. Appointments can be made with the Chamber office. The sessions are free and the counselor will work with you on your business plan, marketing and financial strategies. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is part of a nationwide SBDC program that partners with federal and private entities to provide small business owners access to management consulting, entrepreneurial education, and other valuable business resources. If you own a business or are planning to start one in Los Angeles County, here are just a few areas that SBDC Business Advisors address: Business plans, Capital sourcing, Cash, Contracting and procurement, Financing, Human
The following companies and individuals renewed their membership with the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and the services we provide are made possible by of their support. “Support the Businesses that Support Economic Growth in Norwalk” 47 Years Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing 35 Years Southern California Edison 34 Years Stater Brothers – Alondra Stater Brothers – Firestone 30 Years Norwalk Records 27 Years Norwalk Town Square Management 24 Years Leed Electric Frantone’s Restaurant Resources, Legal issues, Start-up help, Marketing and Sales. Contact the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce at 562-864-7785 to make your appointment.
Norwalk Chamber Benefits Did you know…. That the Norwalk Chamber offers a Group Health Insurance Plan? If you are like most small businesses today, the high cost of health insurance is a major concern and can be a threat to your profitability. Ben-E-Lect offers opportunities to Chamber Members to find the best insurance provider at the lowest cost for you. Contact them today at 888-8867973 or on the web at www.chamber. benelect.com for more information. Did you know… That advertising on the Norwalk Chamber website is cost effective and easy? The Norwalk Chamber website has hundreds of hits every month. We offer affordable prices to place your business ad on our home page. Contact the Norwalk Chamber at
21 Years Norwalk Florist Norwalk Doubletree Hotel 18 Years General Alarm Healthfirst Medical Group 11 Years Goodwill Industries TVB Holdings (USA) Inc. 7 Years Richmond Aircraft 4 Years H & R Block 3 Years Sizzler Restaurant The P.C. Help Desk
Norwalk Chamber News Published by Los Cerritos Community Newspaper, www.loscerritosnews.net. For advertising inquiries call the chamber or call us directly at 562.407.3873. You can also email sales@cerritosnews.net
562-864-7785 or by email at info@ norwalkchamber.com for additional details. Visit our website at www. norwalkchamber.com Did you know… That you can mail flyers to all the Norwalk Chamber members with our monthly mailings at a low cost? If you’re interested in getting the word out about your business or want to promote a special, this is a cost effective way to do it. Did you know… That as a Norwalk Chamber member, we will do quarterly email blasts for you for FREE! Submit your .PDF file to the Norwalk Chamber at ceo@norwalkchamber.com Did you know… There is a free workshop on March 10th, hosted by the Norwalk Chamber and presented by Art Husami of Husami & Associates? Come discover all the tax tips you need to save your business money in 2011! The Norwalk Chamber always strives to provide relevant workshops for its members at little or no cost. Did you know… if you have career opportunities at your company – we will run a Help Wanted Ad for you for FREE.
{MESSAGE- Con't from page 1}
that all enjoyed. Members and potential members were able to introduce themselves and their businesses to the group. The Chamber also presented new member and renewing member plaques, and raffle prizes were given out that were donated by many of our Chamber members. Thank you to Paddison Square Tutti Frutti, Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing, Golf n’ Stuff, Norwalk Florist and CAPC, Inc. for donating to our raffle. It’s hard to believe that it is already May, and my term as President is almost done. This year has flown by, with so many great events and networking opportunities that the Norwalk Chamber has been able to offer to you. But our year is not over yet! We still have one of our biggest
events coming up this month. Our 2nd Annual Miniature Golf Tournament is right around the corner. Thursday May 19th, join us at Golf n’ Stuff in Norwalk for an afternoon of fun, competition, dinner and of course networking. We are signing up both teams and individual golfers for this event, as well as soliciting sponsors for the event and t-sign sponsors. If you are interested in bringing a team or coming by yourself to golf, contact the Norwalk Chamber office at 562-864-7785. Then we follow it up with our next after hour’s mixer, hosted by Office Depot. Evening Mixers are a great way to come out for a few hours and meet other Norwalk Chamber members and potential members in a social setting. Partici-
pating in these events will help you grown your business. Office Depot is located at 10710 Firestone Blvd. just west of the 605 Freeway. We look forward to seeing you there. The Norwalk Chamber is here for you. Take advantage of all opportunities that we offer our members. Whether it’s attending a networking event or fund raiser, utilizing our free email blasts, placing your marketing materials in the Chamber office or using the free small business counseling services, all of these are designed to support you and your efforts to create a successful business. Explore these options by contact the Norwalk Chamber office or checking out our website at www. norwalkchamber.com.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MAY 2011
Norwalk Chamber Networks The Norwalk Doubletree Hotel was the site of the April networking luncheon, where members were treated to a wonderful buffet lunch in the Sonoma Grill. Many were in attendance as they sought to make
Angeles Heat Football Team were presented with their new member plaques. Additionally many renewing members received plaques. Congratulations to Vivian Porter, Goodwill Industries, Joseline
New Member Jose Rodriguez, Los Angeles Heat Football with President Betty Chacon, Wells Fargo Bank, Maria Gonzales of Norwalk Unocal 76 and Joe Derthick of AFLAC.
new connections with current and potential members of the Norwalk Chamber. Business card spotlight winner, Randy Economy, of the Los Cerritos Community News had the opportunity to speak to the group at length about the newspaper and what he will be providing as the new Norwalk reporter for Community News. With self introductions, all others were able to quickly share their business information with the crowd. New members Thomas Sevilla of Sevilla Media Group and Jose Rodriguez, President of the Los
Nucum, Norwalk Doubletree Hotel, Mary Jane McIntosh, Gary Murphy, Norwalk Florist and for a 47 year renewal plaque, Don Skala, Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning! The event could not have ended without a plethora of raffle prizes being handed out! Special thanks to the following for providing raffle prizes: Ken Garcia, Golf n’ Stuff, Joan Sheppard, Paddison Square with Tutti Frutti gift baskets, Gary Murphy, Norwalk Florist, Teri Bazen of Norwalk La Mirada Plumbing, and Caroline Reggio of CAPC,
Thomas Sevilla of Sevilla Media Group is presented his New Member plaque from President Betty assisted by Maria Gonzales and Joe Derthick.
New Member Bob Marlowe, of WR Marlowe Education Services, receives his membership plaque from Chamber President, Betty Chacon of Wells Fargo Bank.
Inc. Special thanks go to the Doubletree Hotel for providing such a great venue for this event. Thank you to Marcus Kuhn, Garry Murphy and Joseline Nucum for all of your ongoing support. Networking is really about meeting new people and getting to know them, so when they have a need for your industry or business they think of you first. The Norwalk Chamber members value these opportunities to be face to face with each other, to share a new business idea or just provide an update on what is going on in their business. We hope you will consider joining us at our next event. To find out more about these opportunities, check out the Norwalk Chamber website at www. norwalkchamber.com.
3
MEMBER NEWS
Park Water Company Receives Nationally Sponsored Recognition Park Water Company was recognized by the Partnership for Safe Water (PSW), a nationally sponsored effort to develop criteria for optimization of water quality. The PSW’s fundamental approach is to improve performance by optimizing system operations rather than relying solely on significant capital improvements. This approach has been used successfully for surface water treatment plants since the program was introduced in 1995. The impact of the program has been so widespread that PSW goals defining optimized performance are now applied at most treatment plants. After more than 10 years of discussion, planning, and research, the PSW has developed a new optimization program for distribution systems to help water suppliers like Park Water Company improve the quality and reliability of water supplied to their customers. Drinking water system customers receive water that has been
delivered through an extensive conveyance network. High quality water coming from treatment plants can change as it travels to the end-users. Optimizing distribution system operation can reduce this transformation. Park is proud to be a Charter member of this new program. The Partnership for Safe Water is sponsored by the American Water Works Association, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Association of Water Companies, and the Water Research Foundation. Park Water Company is a regulated public water utility serving portions of seven communities in southeast Los Angeles County with wholly owned subsidiaries Mountain Water Company in Missoula, Montana and Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company in Apple Valley CA.
LABOR LAW CORNER No Premium Pay for Missed Meal Period/Break for Exempt Employee
Q
uestion: I would like to know if our exempt employees are required to take a meal break in the same manner as hourly/ non-exempt employees? When the Legislature codified the meal break requirements from the Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) orders in Labor Code Section 512(a), it did not limit the kinds of employees to whom those requirements applied. According to the enforcement agency, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, it appears that exempt employees are entitled to a meal period pursuant to Labor Code Section 512(a), but the one-hour premium pay requirement for a missed meal period does not apply. Historically, the mandate for a meal period was found only in the IWC wage orders. If an employee was properly classified as exempt in Section 1 of the appropriate order, the meal period was not required.
Meal Period Coverage However, Labor Code Section 512(a), enacted in 1999, now includes a meal period provision that does not limit coverage to any class of employee. Note that other subdivisions of the section do contain meal period coverage limits associated with collective bargaining agreements. The premium pay provision for failure to provide the meal period was added to the meal break section of the IWC orders and to the Labor Code in Section 226.7. Both the provision in the IWFC order and the Labor Code apply only if the meal period is required by an applicable IWC order. Since the orders exclude exempt employees from coverage, no liability for premium pay is required. Rest Break Exclusion The wage orders also exclude exempt employees from the rest break requirement, but there is no language in the Labor Code entitling employees to a rest break (except the lactation accommodation) that is separate from the IWC order regulations. Consequently, a conflict does not exist between the two regulations and the premium for a missed rest break also does not apply. Again, Labor Code Section 226.7 applies only when a rest break or meal period is required by an applicable wage order.
Hand delivered to 4,500 Norwalk homes, over 12,000 readers. Direct mailed to over 200 Norwalk Chamber members.
Norwalk Community News and Norwalk Chamber News Advertise to your local market! Chamber member discounts up to 50% off!
562.407.3873
www.loscerritosnews.net/monthlypublications
4 NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MAY 2011
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
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Norwalk business leaders nominated for Chamber Board Director slots By Randy Economy Staff Reporter The Nominating Committee of the Norwalk Chamber of the Commerce has recommended seven new business leaders to serve as Directors of the organization for the next three years. Nominated to serve are Richard Fierro, Consolidated Disposal Service; Markus Kohn, Double Tree Hotel; Carmen Lizarraga, Southeast ROP; Gordon Stefenhagen, Norwalk Reality; Lesley Watkins, Com-
The Member–to–Member Discount Program is a special Chamber program that encourages members to do business with fellow Chamber members. The program helps our members to save money and to increase their exposure. Take advantage of the discounts offered and shop in Norwalk today! Please note that the following discounts are available to Chamber members only who present a membership card at time of purchase. As a Chamber member, if you would like to offer a discount as part of the program or make a change to your current discount, please fill out the form below. You may also call the Norwalk Chamber office at 562.864.7785. Your current Chamber Membership Card must be presented
Save money, increase your exposure!
Norwalk Chamber of Commerce to host 2nd Annual “Golden Golf Ball” Tournament At Golf-n-Stuff on Tuesday, May 19th. By Randy Economy LCCN Staff Reporter The Norwalk Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their Second Annual Miniature “Golden Golf Ball” Tournament on Thursday, May 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the famed “GOLF ‘n STUFF” located at 10555 E. Firestone Blvd., in Norwalk.
munity Family Guidance Center; Lynda Fisher, Wal-Mart, and Toni Grijalva with Cerritos College. Any member of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce is allowed to run for a slot on the Board of Directors. Interested applicants may contact the Vivian Hansen, Executive Director of the Chamber at 562 864-7785. Deadline to submit applications to serve on the Norwalk Chamber Board of Directors is Monday, May 16. If no other applications are received, the proposed slate of Directors will be “deemed elected.” Serving on this year’s Chamber Nominating Committee were Chairman Rob Cazares, and Directors Joseph Derthick, Tracy Polley, Maria Gonzales, and Reggie Berry.
Cost to enter is wildly popular event starts at $30 per golfer and teams of four can register for $100. Children are also welcomed to participate on paid teams. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals are also available starting at $50 for “Tee Sponsors,” $250 for “Lighthouse Sponsors” and $450 for “Big Ben Sponsors.” The major “Lighthouse Sponsors” for the event are Outback Steakhouse, Gordon Stefenhagen and Wal-Mart. Registration deadline is Friday, May 13th. For specific registration and sponsorship information, please call the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce during regular business hours at 562 864-7785. You can also email the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce at info@norwalkchamber.com
www.loscerritosnews.net
TO ADVERTISE CALL 800-901-7211
{NORWALK - Con't from page 1} Councilman Luigi Vernola abstained from voting on the matter and wanted to get more legal opinions from outside agencies such as the Los Angeles County District Attorney and others. “I am not opposed to lifting the ban on airing public comments; I just want more detailed legal opinions before I vote one way or the other.” Mayor Mike Mendez opposed the idea and cast the only descending vote. The controversial ban was instituted in 2003 when several residents began challenging city council member travel expense during open meetings. The City Council at that time resulted with no residents being allowed to be “seen or heard” on the cablecast during the official “Oral Communications” portion of each meeting. The City of Norwalk operates two cable television channels. Channel 32 is dedicated as a “Public Access Channel” that allows any member of the community to submit their own produced programs for cable broadcast. Cable channel 3 is dedicated to airing city council, planning commission, and other official city of Norwalk productions. The controversial ban was established on Nov. 4, 2003 when the City Council voted to cease broadcasting of the City Council and Planning Commission meetings at the completion of regular business items. Longtime Norwalk resident and city council critic Jerry Ori urged the council to lift the communications ban immediately. “This is an open Democracy in which we all live. We need a two way communication line especially now in this new era of Bell city politics.” Ori was referring to the recent political corruption indictments that rocked the tiny city of Bell during the past year that resulted in eight city officials to be indicted on felony charges. Ori also said he and other residents were prepared to file a civil rights lawsuit within 30 days if the council refused to lift the ban. Resident Bob Hoskins specifically singled out Mayor Mike Mendez for creating the ban in the first place, and cited past city council expenses from travels to Palm Springs hotels and restaurants. “I have been treated like a dog by past city councils. Two people cannot dictate to a community of over 100,000 people. We are not going to have another Bell as long as I am around Norwalk,” said Ori. Mary Jane McIntosh, a recent candidate for Norwalk City Council also urged the council to bring oral communication broadcasting “back to the people.” “This is a positive move to put the
people back into the city meetings. This isn’t going to end the public from criticizing our city council, everyone needs to be heard and this is more about accountability,” McIntosh claimed. She also publicly thanked Rodarte, a long time political rival, for bringing the issue forward. “We may agree to disagree on some issues, but we don’t have to be disagreeable on every single issue,” said McIntosh. Vice Mayor Kelley said that while “people are entitled to their own opinions, the city residents are entitled to the facts.” “I don’t have a qualm with bringing back oral communications. No one’s free speech was taken away, but I will not make a decision based upon threats,” said Kelley. Councilman Rodarte agreed with McIntosh that “ethically and morally and legally we are obligated to take criticism. No elected official should ever fear the truth and an open dialogue with the people who elected them,” said Rodarte. “I cannot imagine muffling anyone’s “free speech. Everything needs to be transparent. We were elected to move this city forward and to never look back,” he added. But one of the most poignant statements came from Councilman Leonard Shyock at the end of the debate before the council vote. “We signed up for this. It is time to correct this situation once and for all.” Mayor Mike Mendez said he opposed lifting the ban, but had “no problems” when the public criticizes him. “I just want the right to be able to respond without being threatened with lawsuits at each and every meeting,” the Mayor remarked.
COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6 , 2011
11
Vernola asked Steve Dorsey, the City Attorney about what is considered when a resident “goes over the line” during oral communications” and asked for a legal opinion from the District Attorney. Dorsey said that the District Attorney will only enforce the open meeting laws and does not issue “legal opinions” in these types of matters. Councilman Rodarte’s motion was passed on a 3-1-1 vote In other actions, the Norwalk City Council voted to approve a travel request by the Norwalk All City Band to for an upcoming trip for the famed group to travel to New York City and perform at “Ground Zero” where the Twin Towers once stood during the upcoming Independence Day holidays. “This is going to be a tremendous honor for our young people to represent the citizens of Norwalk during this special national holiday,” said Councilman Shryock. KARYOKE FUNDRAISER FOR JAPAN! During public comments, Glenda Holt, a long time employee with the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District invited the community to a Karaoke fundraiser this Saturday, May 7th from 2 to 6 p.m. at John Glenn High School. The event will feature food, prizes, and “urban street singers and dancers.” All the funds raised will be donated to the Rio Hondo Chapter of the Red Cross. The event will also showcase well known rappers and dj’s from throughout the Southern California area. She reminded the City Council that the art of “karaoke” began in Japan, and now it is time to “do our part” to help the victims of the recent earthquakes and tsunamis.
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OLYMPIC LEAGUE BASEBALL
Valley Christian yields late run, edged by front running Whittier Christian By Loren Kopff Valley Christian junior pitcher Dylan Algra did all he could to prevent Whittier Christian from sweeping the season series from the Crusaders. And through the middle innings last Thursday night, the V.C. offense was finally getting to Heralds starter Jake McMullen. But Cameron Stanley scored on a base hit from George Flynn in the top of the seventh inning to give Whittier Christian a 4-3 victory, offsetting a brilliant pitching performance from Algra. In his first Olympic League start since Apr. 1, Algra went the distance, scattering nine hits, walking two, striking out two and throwing only 95 pitches. “The first thing that their coaching staff told me was to shake his hand and that he pitched like an absolute stud and that he is [Whittier Christian’s] definite best all-league pick that they have,” said V.C. head coach Sean Buller. “That’s what Dylan is all about. He’s such a competitor and he wants to strike everybody out. He pitched great; I couldn’t ask for anything better. He gave us a chance to win.” The Crusaders fell to 13-9 overall, 5-5 in the league and were eliminated from any league title chances. V.C. had been outscored by the Heralds 23-7 in the previous two meetings and trailed 2-0 in the third inning. But the hosts responded in their half of the inning with a two out rally. Jake McMullen walked Algra before giving up a run scoring double to junior second baseman Shane Stillwagon. After McMullen intentionally walked senior center fielder Sam Raffaelli, he recovered to strike out senior first baseman Michael Fasnacht. The next inning began with senior left fielder Ryan Fronke and sophomore third baseman Patrick Avila posting base hits. Senior shortstop Daniel Hernandez then laid down a bunt attempt that was thrown into foul territory down the right field line, allowing Fronke to score. But as the ball was being retrieved, Avila was eventually thrown out at home. The missed opportunity came back to haunt V.C. because sophomore catcher Tyler McLurg would drop a single in the right field gap to bring in Hernandez. Instead of the Crusaders leading 4-2, it was just a 3-2 affair, but still the first time all season that V.C. had led the Heralds. “These guys are almost getting to the point where we have that mental state of ‘we’re going to find a way to win’,” Buller said. “That’s what differentiates us from Whittier Christian right now.” Whittier Christian would tie the game in the top of the fifth and the Crusaders had a chance to reclaim the lead in the sixth when McLurg singled and sophomore right fielder Nico Morandini was walked. That would end McMullen’s night and his replacement, Grant Escobar got Algra to ground out. Escobar would then strike out the side in the seventh. Meanwhile, Algra, who had slid in head first before he was barely out, came back in the final frame and walked Stanley and Escobar before striking out Steven Krecker. On the very next pitch though, Flynn came through with the game winner.
“It wasn’t so much that [Algra] was tired,” Buller said. “I just knew I had two backups ready to go. But he’s the competitor that if he’s going to say he’s going to go out, he’s going to give me his all.” V.C. collected seven hits with McLurg getting a pair of them. The Crusaders hosted John Glenn this past Tuesday night and will visit Ontario Christian today before ending the regular season with a home and home series with second place Village Christian and serious playoff implications on the line. Village Christian entered this past week with a 5-3 league mark but had two games with Whittier Christian before facing the Crusaders. V.C. lost to Village Christian 8-5 on Apr. 1. “Our season lies in the two games against Village Christian,” Buller said. “We have two leagues games left to decide if these guys have what it takes to make it to playoffs or if our season is going to be cut short.” SUBURBAN LEAGUE BASEBALL
Soto comes through in the end, keeps Artesia in playoff hunt By Loren Kopff The overall record for Artesia’s baseball team doesn’t look that impressive. In fact, it doesn’t look like what one would expect from a team that is on the verge of a possible trip to the postseason. But junior pitcher Cesar Soto made sure he kept his Pioneers tied for third place in the Suburban League. Soto pitched 10 innings against visiting Cerritos last Friday, the most any high school pitcher can pitch in any given week, then doubled in senior second baseman Effrain Huizar in the bottom of the 10th inning to lift the Pioneers to a gut-wrenching 2-1 victory. The win allowed Artesia (6-15 overall, 5-3 in the Suburban League) to remain two games ahead of Norwalk for fourth place and the final automatic playoff berth from the league. Artesia has not been to the playoffs since 2007. Although Artesia picked up the crucial win, it wasn’t the performance that head coach Michael Gaoghagan was hoping for against a team trying to staying out of last place in the circuit. The hosts constantly missed signs, had three runners caught stealing and did not have a runner reach third until the bottom of the seventh. “We came out really flat,” Gaoghagan said. “I don’t think we had the intensity we should have had until we tied it and then we picked it up a little bit. We weren’t really sharp today.” Soto was nearly flawless through the first three innings, striking out three, allowing one hit and getting three fly ball outs to senior center fielder Jhovanny Ortiz. But Cerritos junior right fielder Keenan Parra led off the top of the fourth with a base hit to left field, advanced when junior center fielder Brian Diaz was safe on an error, moved again on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly from sophomore designated hitter Jake Liang. Artesia was hoping to put something together in its half of the frame when senior first baseman Sean Taylor led off with a base hit but was caught stealing. Junior right fielder Gary Smith was then safe on an error but was quickly picked off of first. Those two outs proved to be critical because senior catcher Jeff Gunter doubled to the left field gap.
“We were horrible on the base paths today,” Gaoghagan said. “That could have easily cost us [the game] because we weren’t getting a lot of offense going anyway. We just struggled offensively.” While the Pioneers lost an opportunity to score at least two runs, the Dons (6-16, 1-9) were unable to add to their lead. They stranded the bases loaded in the fifth, and two more in the sixth. After that, Soto settled down and gave up just one hit and one walk over the final four innings. Four of his 11 strikeouts came down the stretch and he finished throwing 142 pitches. “It was a gutsy performance,” Gaoghagan said. “He probably went either four or five [innings] and after that, you could tell he was probably getting a little tired. He battled it out and was able to keep us in the ballgame. We had Gunter ready if we needed him.” Not to be outdone was the performance put in from Cerritos junior Kevin Anderson, who limited the Pioneers to three hits through the first six innings and did not allow a runner to get to third. But with one out in the seventh, Ortiz singled to left and junior pinch hitter Carlos Ramirez reached on a controversial play. Ortiz then stole third and a walk was issued to senior third baseman Jose Esparza to load the bases. Huizar flew out to deep right to bring home Ortiz for the tying score when the Dons thought it should have been the third out. Ramirez was safe when he put down a bunt but eluded the tag by senior pitcher Kevin Vaca as he was racing up the first base line. “I don’t think either umpire really clearly saw the play anyway,” Gaoghagan said. “I don’t know if he was out of the base line or not. But there wasn’t a tag.” Taylor collected two of his team’s eight hits as the Pioneers host Bellflower today to conclude a home and home series with the Buccaneers. Those two teams began this week tied for third place. Artesia caps off the regular season next Tuesday and Thursday against first place Mayfair. The Dons, who got two hits from sophomore left fielder Andrew Ortega, conclude their season today at Norwalk.
All-Star teams, summer tournaments announced for Cerritos Girls Softball Association By Loren Kopff Later this month, 49 Cerritos Girls Softball Association all-stars will embark on a two-month journey that will hopefully end with several tournament championships and even a berth in the Amateur Softball Association “B” National Championships in either Clovis or Spokane, WA. All four teams will kick off the summer by participating in the San Dieguito All-Star Tournament May 27-30. The next weekend, the teams will be in the La Habra All-Star Tournament before hosting the CGSA All-Star Tournament the following weekend. An open weekend (June 17-19) could later be filled by any or all of the teams before they return to Downey for the District tournament, which will take place June 24-26. Based on how the teams do there,
they may find themselves playing in the ASA “B” State Tournament in Lancaster, July 8-10. Listed below are all of the 2011 CGSA All-Stars, coaching staffs and team moms. 8-Under All-Stars Caitlyn Azevedo Gemma Bulthuis Angelina Dumlao Piper Garcia Halyne Gonzalez Tristan Hess Mikala Huskey Valerie Joaquin Syndi Jones Leilani Pati Madison Sanchez Leah Suarez Jillian Velazquez Manager: Benito Joaquin Coaches: Gabe Azevedo, Sam Dumlao, Pom Garcia, David Huskey Youth assistant coaches: Madi Huskey, Jennifer Morinishi 10-Under All-Stars Kiarra Crockett-Pope Dejanae Davis Kayla Edwards Makayla Garcia Malena Garcia Jazmine Hill Rachel Loranger Emily Morton Cassie Oravetz Diamond Sandoval Afi Satele Kara Spoolstra Manager: Phil Davis Head coach: Rich Garcia Coaches: Cedric Hill, Freddy Sandoval, Don Taguchi Team moms: Tanisha Davis, Pom Garcia. Paola Hill 12-Under All-Stars Julianne Adamos Celeste Borza Alyssa Flores Evelynn Hernandez Ashley Iseri Destiny Lucero Kylee Perryman Rebecca Ramirez Alyssa Rios Brianna Spoolstra Alijah Vega Kayla Vukovich Manager: Chris Borza Coaches: Heather Cameron, Alex Hernandez, Carlos Hernandez, Brian Iseri, Jennifer Iseri, Carlos Lucero, Sarah Parten, Tommy Parten, Lyn Perryman, Pablo Vega Team mom: Adele Perryman 14-Under All-Stars Rachel Barajas Kaitlyn Boggs Courtney Hess Haley Lamb Vicky Maglonzo Sabrina Manzano Ashley Mitchell Justina Peko Briana Perez Luci Stefani Christabel Supan Nicole Waldecker Manager: Bill Mitchell Head coach: George Barajas Coaches: Jon Florez, Donald Stefani Team mom: Elsa Barajas
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ABC
Continued from page 1 interest of the students.” During public testimony, Laura Rico, President of the ABC Federation of Teachers urged the school board to “pick the person who can hit the ground running” and who “has the experience and knowledge” of how the school board operates.” Several speakers also praised the candidacy of Lynda Johnson, and one former ABC School Board Member Bob Hughlett lobbied the board to select longtime Cerritos resident and his longtime personal friend Jean McHatton. The entire afternoon was plagued with motions and maneuvers and rule changes to benefit one hopeful over another. Clerk Olympia Chen tried unsuccessfully to keep the seat vacant till the upcoming November election and only colleague Sophia Tse supported her. Board Members Maynard Law, James Kang, Celia Spitzer and Armin Reyes voted to continue the appointment process. Chen and Tse attempted to make the case that the winning “appointee” would only serve 10 meetings and they would have an “unfair” advantage to run for the seat as a designated “appointed Incumbent.” Veteran School Board Member Celia Spitzer reminded the board that “we were elected to make hard decisions. It is incumbent on us (the Board of Education) to make an appointment, today. It is very unfair to the 13 candidates for us not reach a decision.” Board Vice President Armin Reyes stressed that the “quality and quantity” of the candidates were “incredible.” “This is about public service,” he remarked. “Many of them are my personal friends, and this makes the decision all the harder,” said Reyes. According to the official published meeting agenda, the board was to pick the “top three” candidates, and then the board would conduct an open discussion or the final candidates, and followed by the “motion/s to appoint; vote, and then the “Provisional Appointee” would be sworn into office by Superintendent Gary Smuts. Each board member ranked their top three choices as previously agreed upon. Here is how the applicants were ranked by each board member: Board Clerk Olympia Chen selected Montgomery, Dodson and Yen Chen. Board Member James Kang selected Nishi, Yen Chen and Robinson. Board President Law ranked McHatton, Dodson, and Montgomery. Vice President Reyes selected Dodson, Titus, and Johnson. Board Member Spitzer gave her picks to Dodson, Montgomery and Mc Hatton,
while Member Tse selected Yen Chen, Nishi and Titus, After that first round of rankings the three top ranked applicants were suppose to be the only ones going into the final round of voting. These three finalists were Dodson (four points) Montgomery and Cindy Yen Chen who both earned three points. Then personal politics dominated the rest of the selection process. After a heated exchange lead by Board President Law, he urged that the rules be changed to allow any candidate who received “two points” to go into the final round for consideration. Law was a vocal supporter of applicant Jean McHatton, who received just two points, one from Law and the other from Kang. Applicant Ernie Nishi also received two points in the balloting as did Anna Titus. “We need to recognize that we have some great qualified candidates who got two points in the ranking and we should allow them to go on to the next round,” Law said. “It is a hard choice because of our longtime personal relationships with some of these individuals,” he said. Kang seconded Laws motion and it passed on a 4-2 vote with Tse and Chen opposing the rule change. Joining Dodson, Montgomery and Yen Chen into the new round of voting was Nishi and Mc Hatton. Then after yet another heated exchange, the board changed the rules for the fourth time to allow any applicant who received “one point” to go into the final round of consideration. That motion passed 4-2, and applicants Lynda Johnson and Ethan Robinson were added into the jumbled mix of “finalists.” The only applicants not considered in the final round of voting were Rami, Mansami, Sunak, Rios and Lee. None of them received any points or verbal support from any of the six school board members. Then nearly seven hours after the marathon meeting began, a vote was taken on the new eight finalists. Here is how that next vote panned out: Olympia Chen voted for David Montgomery, James Kang voted for Cindy Yen Chen, Maynard Law voted for Jean McHatton, and both Armin Reyes and Celia Spitzer voted for Dodson and Sophia Tse voted for Nishi. Titus, Johnson, Robinson and Nishi were then declared out of consideration after that vote. During the next set of “rule changes” the Board decided to take an “up or down” vote on each of the remaining five finalist. It was agreed to that the “winning applicant” would have to earn four of the six board members approval to be granted the seven month appointment.
COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6 , 2011
Spitzer moved to nominate Dodson and Reyes seconded the motion. Dodson only received two votes and she was eliminated. Montgomery was the next to be considered and he received the support of Spitzer, Reyes, and Chen. He was eliminated at this point. Cindy Yen Chen won the votes of only Kang and Tse and McHatton was knocked out of consideration after just getting the votes of Law and Kang. Then, after another rule change, Montgomery, Yen Chen and Dodson were on the final ballot, but Clerk Olympia Chen stepped in and demanded that the appointment be made by the voters, and not the ABC School Board. That motion passed 4 to 2 with Reyes and Spitzer voting in the minority.’ “As far as I am concerned, I am willing to stay here till midnight until we select someone. Why are we throwing in the towel,” said a frustrated Reyes. “You mean to tell me that I woke up at 6 a.m. and sat here for seven hours on a Saturday to come up with no decision. I am very angry,” Spitzer remarked. “The process was not conducted professional. It was a total joke,” said applicant Anna Titus. “They changed the rules of the game after the game started over and over again. I was embarrassed for the entire ABC School District. The school board acted very unprofessional and it is time to get beyond putting the interests of “personal friends” before the knowledge and priorities of a functional board of education.” Tse said the decision was a hard one. “I had personal friends interested and it made my decision very hard.” “This was a total joke,” Titus said. “They lost track of what they were to accomplish. This is the most dysfunctional school board we have ever had here in ABC,” T i t u s said. “ I t was a circus and a total joke said applicant
13
Kiran Rami. This “back in forth game playing made me wonder how this board actually functions.” Rami said she is unsure if she will be seeking election in November. “I did this for our students,” said Rami who is a Professor at Long Beach City College. “It was hard core politics. All they cared about was how they could get their friends on the board,” she said.
Body of lifeless man found inside car at supermarket parking lot By Randy Economy Hawaiian Gardens-Sheriff homicide detectives and members of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office have launched an investigation into the death of an adult male whose lifeless body was found inside a parked car at a popular local supermarket in Hawaiian Gardens. On Wednesday evening, members of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Department responded to a call that the body of a male was seen inside a vehicle at the parking lot of the Food 4 Less Supermarket located at 12222 Carson Street. The name of the deceased man has not been identified, and the cause of his death is now under investigation by both agencies. For additional updated information on this case, please visit our website at www.loscerritosnews.net.
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CITY OF CERRITOS STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOTICE TO BIDDERS OF THE SIDEWALK, CURB, GUTTER AND WHEELCHAIR RAMP REPAIRS IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS PROJECT 13086 BID NO. 1117-11
Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk of the CITY OF CERRITOS, First Floor, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield Avenue at 183rd Street, Cerritos, California 90703 until 11:00 a.m. on May 17, 2011 for furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment for “SIDEWALK, CURB, GUTTER AND WHEELCHAIR RAMP REPAIRS IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS, PROJECT 13086, BID NO. 1117-11.” Bids will be publicly opened at the Cerritos City Hall at 11:00 a.m. on the above date. Bids must be made on the form provided for this purpose, addressed to the City Clerk, City of Cerritos, First Floor, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield Avenue at 183rd Street, Cerritos, California 90703, marked “SIDEWALK, CURB, GUTTER AND WHEELCHAIR RAMP REPAIRS IN THE CITY OF CERRITOS, PROJECT 13086, BID NO. 1117-11.” Bids are required on the entire work including all appurtenances thereto as more particularly shown on the Plans and Specifications. All work must be completed within 25 calendar days after the date of the Notice to Proceed. A set of Contract Documents, including the Plans and Specifications, may be purchased at the Engineering Division of the City of Cerritos for $10.00 ($15.00 if mailing is requested). There will be no refund for return of the Contract Documents. Return of such documents is not required. No bid will be received unless it is made on the official Proposal forms in the Contract Documents (green sheets) that include the Bid Sheet/Non-Collusion Affidavit. Failure to properly execute the Bid Sheet/NonCollusion Affidavit will render the bid non-responsive and the bid will not be accepted. The bid must be accompanied by cash, a certified or cashier's check, or bidder's bond made payable to the City of Cerritos for an amount equal to at least ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid. This guarantee will be forfeited should the lowest responsible bidder to whom the contract is awarded fail to enter into the contract. If the City of Cerritos subsequently awards a contract to the next lowest responsible bidder, the amount of the lowest responsible bidder's guarantee shall be applied to the difference between the lowest responsible bidder’s bid and the next lowest responsible bidder’s bid and the surplus, if any, shall be returned to the lowest responsible bidder. All bids are to be compared on the basis of the estimate of the quantities of work to be done. No bid will be accepted from a contractor who has not been licensed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9, Division III of the Business and Professions Code of the State of California. The contractor must possess a license of the following classification at the time the contract is awarded (and must maintain this license classification through completion of the project): “A” or “C-8” is required. The bidder's attention is also directed to Section 7028.15 of the Business and Professions Code. The bidder awarded the contract shall indemnify, defend and hold the City, its officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers harmless from any and all losses and damages arising out of any act or omission of it in performance of this contract. Before a contract is entered into with the successful bidder, the bidder shall present evidence in writing to the City of Cerritos that he or she has current public liability and property damage insurance from a responsible insurance company authorized to do business in California that is acceptable to the City of Cerritos of at least the following amounts: Bodily injury and property damage - Combined single limits in the amount of $1,000,000.00. NOTE: The insurance policy must include a special endorsement to policy that provides: 1. 2. 3.
The City, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers are included as additional insureds but only insofar as operations under the contract are concerned. The insurer shall not cancel or reduce the insured's coverage without first providing thirty days advance written notice to the City of Cerritos. The City of Cerritos will not be responsible for premiums or assessments on the policy.
The Insurer shall furnish the City of Cerritos a certified copy of the policy within five (5) days of the City requesting a copy. The successful bidder shall maintain during the life of the contract the above specified insurance with the above-referenced special endorsement. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 1776, et al. of the Labor Code of the State of California, the Director of Industrial Relations for the State of California has determined the general prevailing rate of wages and employer payments for health and welfare, vacations, pensions and similar purposes applicable to the work to be done. These rates shall be the minimum rates for this project. Rates are available on the Internet at http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/PWD. In addition, the information can be obtained by calling the Division of Labor Statistics and Research’s Prevailing Wage Unit at (415) 703-4774, or by faxing the Prevailing Wage Unit at (415) 703-4771, or by writing to: California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Statistics and Research, Prevailing Wage Unit, P.O. Box 420603, San Francisco, CA, 94142. Pursuant to Section 1735 of the California Labor Code, the bidder shall not discriminate in the employment of persons for the work as described in these Contract Documents because of race, religious creed, color, nation of origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or sex of such persons. If the bidder is found to be in violation of this Section on this work, the bidder shall be subject to all penalties imposed in Part 7, Chapter 1 of the California Labor Code. The successful bidder will be required to comply with all requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 ("Act"). The successful bidder agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the City of Cerritos harmless from any penalties imposed as a result of non-compliance with the Act. By submitting a bid, the bidder offers and agrees that if the bid is accepted, it will assign to the City of Cerritos all rights, titles, and interest in and to all causes of action it may have under §4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. §15) or under the Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 commencing with §16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code, arising from purchases of goods, materials or services by the bidder for sale to the City of Cerritos pursuant to the bid. Such assignment shall be made and become effective at the time the City of Cerritos tenders final payment to the bidder.
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retention moneys withheld from the subcontractor by the contractor, less any actual prorata costs associated with administering and calculating that interest. In the event that the interest rate is a fluctuating rate, the rate for the subcontractor shall be determined by calculating the interest rate paid during the time that retentions were withheld from the subcontractor. If the contractor elects to substitute securities in lieu of retention, then, by mutual consent of the contractor and subcontractor, the subcontractor may substitute securities in exchange for the release of moneys held in retention by the contractor. The contractor shall pay each subcontractor, not later than seven days after receipt of escrow moneys, the amount owed to each subcontractor from the moneys plus the respective amount of interest earned, net of costs attributed to the retention held from each subcontractor, on the amount of retention withheld to insure performance of the subcontractor. Requests for substitution of retentions or payment of retentions earned to an escrow agent must be made in writing and delivered to the City Engineer prior to the issuance of a notice to proceed and are subject to the approval of the City of Cerritos. The amount of retention shall remain at ten percent (10%) for the entire duration of the contract and reduction in retention percentage will not be allowed. Section 7107 of the Public Contract Code shall govern payment of the retention. The City of Cerritos reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or portions of any and all bids, or waive any informality or irregularity in a bid to the extent allowed by law. Bids are required for the entire work described herein. By order of the City of Cerritos. Dated/posted/published: May 6, 2011 Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 5/6/11 CITY OF CERRITOS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. on the following matter:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CERRITOS ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RESIDENTIAL CODE AND AMENDING TITLE 15, BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION, OF THE CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ADOPTION.
DEVELOPMENT CODE AMENDMENT 2011-3*
*PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(b)(3) OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), THIS PROJECT IS EXEMPT FROM CEQA REVIEW.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CERRITOS PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING THAT THE CERRITOS CITY COUNCIL ADOPT BY REFERENCE THE 2011 LOS ANGELES COUNTY BUILDING, RESIDENTIAL, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, AND FIRE CODES FOR THE CITY OF CERRITOS AS AMENDED.
This public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of the Cerritos City Hall, Cerritos Civic Center, Bloomfield Avenue and 183rd Street in Cerritos, California, 90703. The meeting will also air live on Cerritos TV3 and will be streamed over the City of Cerritos website at www.cerritos.us. A copy of the related staff report will be available for download from the website by 6:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the public hearing. If you challenge the above mentioned Development Code Amendment and related actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to Planning Commission, at, or prior to, the public hearing. Any person interested in this matter may contact the Department of Community Development at (562) 916-1201, for additional information and/or appear at the hearing in person or by agent and be heard. Dated: May 6, 2011
/s/Torrey N. Contreras Torrey N. Contreras Director of Community Development
Published at Los Cerritos Community Newspaper 5/6/11
ABC UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE At the Board Meeting of June 21, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom, 16700 Norwalk Boulevard, Cerritos, the Board of Education will hold a public hearing regarding the Budget of the District for the fiscal year 2011-12, prior to Final Adoption as required by Education Code Section 42103. The proposed budget will be on file and available for public inspection at the following location should members of the public wish to review the budget prior to the public hearing.
Location: ABC Unified School District 16700 Norwalk Blvd. Cerritos, CA Date(s): June 16-21, 2011 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a labor and material payment bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price, a faithful performance bond in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the contract price and a warranty bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the contract price. The bidder is required to give written notice of the bonding requirements of subcontractors to potential and actual subcontractors and the bidder's attention is directed to Section 4108 of the California Public Contract Code. Any subcontractor bonds shall be secured from a surety company satisfactory to the City of Cerritos. As a substitute for retention of ten percent (10%) from each progress payment to the contractor, the contractor may, on his or her request and at his or her expense, deposit securities approved as eligible for deposit and in an amount equivalent to the amount retained by the City of Cerritos, with a state or federallychartered bank in California as the escrow agent (“escrow agent”) or the City of Cerritos. Securities eligible for deposit shall be bank or savings and loan certificates of deposit, or such securities as are set forth in Government Code Section 16430 and which are approved by the City of Cerritos. Upon the deposit of such securities, the City of Cerritos shall pay the retained sum to the contractor and, upon satisfactory completion of all work required to be performed, shall return the deposited securities to the contractor. Alternatively, the contractor may request that the City of Cerritos make payment of retentions earned directly to the escrow agent established by the contractor, at his or her expense as provided under Section 22300 of the Public Contract Code. At the expense of the contractor, the contractor may direct the investment of the payments into securities and the contractor shall receive the interest earned on the investment upon the same terms provided for in Section 22300 of the Public Contract Code for securities deposited by the contractor. Upon satisfactory completion of the contract, the contractor shall receive from the escrow agent all securities, interest, and payments received by the escrow agent from the City of Cerritos pursuant to Section 22300 of the Public Contract Code. The contractor shall be the beneficial owner of any securities substituted for moneys withheld and shall receive any interest thereon. Any contractor who elects to receive interest on moneys withheld in retention by the City of Cerritos shall, at the request of any subcontractor performing more than five percent of the contractor’s total bid, make that option available to the subcontractor regarding any moneys withheld in retention by the contractor from the subcontractor. If the contractor elects to receive interest on any moneys withheld in retention by the City of Cerritos, then the subcontractor shall receive the identical rate of interest received by the contractor on any
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Cerritos Spring Festival Held in Conjunction with City’s 55th Birthday By Jerry Bernstein The weather was perfect with hardly a cloud in the sky as Cerritos celebrated its 55th birthday this past weekend in conjunction with the city’s annual spring festival held at the Cerritos Sports Complex. The festival was opened on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from
COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6 , 2011
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noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.. There were rides for every age, games and entertainment that featured local community organizations and Cerritos Resident Talent Show participants including a Dance Recital Sunday at 4 p.m. Many family and friends brought picnic lunches/dinners while enjoying the festival. Others took advantage of “A Taste of Cerritos” which offered food from community organizations and restaurants for a nominal fee. On Saturday evening a fireworks display filled the sky above the park that once again gained full attention of the crowd below. All in all a weekend of fun for the entire family. Above and below: A favorite of many was the classic car exhibit held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Many classic cars were on display including this 1930 Ford Model A. Another vehicle that caught this photographer’s interest was a 1957 Chevy Roadmaster. Both cars had been completely restored.
A Community festival is not complete unless there is a Merry-Go –Round that can be verified by big smiles on the youngsters as they wave to their parents.
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16 COMMUNITY NEWS GROUP • MAY 6, 2011
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